Walking the Cape Wrath Trail

Discover the raw beauty, isolation and adventure of the Cape Wrath Trail, widely regarded as the UK’s most challenging and rewarding long-distance walk. Stretching 370 km (230 miles) from Fort William to Britain's most north-westerly point, the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, this unmarked trail winds through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

This definitive guidebook is the essential companion for tackling the Cape Wrath Trail with confidence, combining detailed route descriptions with practical planning advice. Best suited to experienced walkers, the trail offers a true backpacking journey, and the Cicerone guidebook provides clear guidance through this iconic, often pathless terrain, including Knoydart, Glenfinnan, Torridon, Assynt and the far northwest coast of Scotland.

The route is broken down into 14 stages, from Fort William to Cape Wrath, with suggested itineraries of between 16 and 22 days, allowing you to tailor the trail to suit your experience, fitness and available time
Clear, step-by-step route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 OS mapping and elevation profiles, helping you stay on track across remote glens, mountain passes and river crossings
Each stage includes essential information such as daily distance, ascent and descent, estimated walking time and terrain overview, enabling careful planning for a trip to the Scottish Highlands, where preparation is critical
Practical advice on accommodation, wild camping, transport and resupply points like Kinlochewe and Rhiconich, is included, alongside guidance on safety, navigation and when to go
Pocket-sized and lightweight, this guidebook is designed to help keep pack weight to a minimum whilst on the Cape Wrath Trail


Plan your Cape Wrath Trail journey with confidence and immerse yourself in one of the UK's wildest long-distance trails. This expertly researched guidebook ensures you are fully prepared to experience the solitude, scale and unforgettable landscapes of the Highlands.

Seasons

April, May and June are ideal months to walk the trail. September and October are also good, but there may be diversions due to deer stalking and military operations at the cape. In July and August the days are superbly long and the weather can be fine, but midges will be in full flight. The limited accommodation along the trail may also be booked up at this time of year.

Centres

Fort William, Glenfinnan, Barisdale, Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe, Dundonnell, Ullapool, Bridge of Orchy, Inchnadamph, Kylesku, Rhiconich, Kinlochbervie, Durness

Difficulty

The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance backpacking trail in Britain. It crosses remote, sparsely populated and potentially dangerous mountain country. There are no pack-carrying services and often no clear paths. Limited re-supply points mean you need to be self-sufficient for several days at a time. Not a route for beginners or those unfamiliar with remote, rugged mountain areas.

Must See

Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, the gloriously remote rough bounds of Knoydart, Barisdale, Forcan ridge, Falls of Glomach, Beinn Eighe, Lochan Fada, Shenavall, An Teallach, Glen Douchary, Glen Oykel, Ben More, Glencoul, Arkle, Foinaven, Sandwood Bay, Cape Wrath lighthouse

Map key Overview map Preface Introduction Geology and wildlife Getting there Getting around When to go Accommodation Safety Emergencies Money and communications Preparation and planning What to take Waywarking and access Maps and navigation Using this guide 1 Fort William to Strathcarron Stage 1 Fort William to Glenfinnan Stage 2 Glenfinnan to Glen Dessarry Stage 3 Glen Dessarry to Barisdale Stage 4 Barisdale to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge) Alternative Stage 1 Fort William to Laggan Alternative Stage 2 Laggan to Cluanie Alternative Stage 3 Cluanie to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge) Stage 5 Morvich (near Shiel Bridge) to Strathcarron 2 Strathcarron to Inverlael (near Ullapool) Stage 6 Strathcarron to Kinlochewe Alternative Stage 6 Bendronaig to Kinlochewe Stage 7 Kinlochewe to Strath na Sealga Stage 8 Strath na Sealga to Inverlael (near Ullapool) 3 Inverlael to Cape Wrath Stage 9 Inverlael (near Ullapool) to Oykel Bridge Alternative Stage 9 Ullapool to Oykel Bridge Stage 10 Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph (or Loch Ailsh) Stage 11 Inchnadamph to Glendhu Alternative Stage 11 Loch Ailsh to Glendhu Stage 12 Glendhu to Rhiconich Stage 13 Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay Stage 14 Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Shops, cafés and Post Offices Appendix D Useful websites Appendix E Maps Appendix F Further reading